For Immediate Release
February 8, 2002
Contact: Nancy Damon
434-924-7548

CRIME WAVE Hits the Eighth Annual Virginia Festival of the Book

New Daylong Program Seeks a Mystery Audience

8:30 a.m. — 6 p.m. Saturday, March 23
Albemarle County Office Building

(Charlottesville, Virginia, Feb. 8) The Eighth Annual Festival of the Book (VABook! 2002) presents a new daylong event on Saturday, March 23, 2002 called Crime Wave. As the name implies, Crime Wave will feature a host of the country's best mystery and crime writers–enough mystery writers to sate avid mystery fans and aspiring sleuth writers.

The event will begin with three concurrent author panels. They are "Biographies of Great Mystery Writers," "The Lady Investigates," about female sleuths, and "Murder is My Business," on the subject of writing mystery novels.

Crime Wave participants will convene for an interview with mystery writer Anne Perry. Her writing transports readers into the very heart of one of the richest and most vibrant societies the world has known–the Golden Age of Queen Victoria. Her characters Thomas and Charlotte Pitt and Victorian investigator William Monk have fascinated readers for years. This is a unique opportunity learn from one of the masters of the genre. Book signings for all morning panelists are scheduled for 11 a.m.

Participants are invited to a very special luncheon for mystery lovers, featuring

Elizabeth Peters, well known for her Amelia Peabody mystery series. The luncheon will be held at The Metropolitan Restaurant. Tickets for the luncheon are $45 and should be purchased from the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities by calling 434-924-6890. Seating will be limited.

The afternoon agenda features a second set of panels to explore topics such as the crafting of private investigative novels, historical mysteries and forensics in fiction.

The day will culminate with an interview with Jeffrey Deaver, author of 17 novels, nominated for four Edgar Awards from the Mystery Writers of America, an Anthony Award, and two Ellery Queen Reader's Awards for Best Short Story of the Year. He will sign books preceding his panel.

Featured during this unique program will be formidable writers such as: Donna Andrews, Frankie Bailey, Jan Burke, Raymond and Wendy DeVere-Austin, Elizabeth Foxwell, Douglas Greene, Peter Heck, Michael Kilian, Kathleen Gregory Klein, Laura Lippman, Miriam Grace Monfredo, Tim Myers, Tom Nolan, George Pelecanos, Andy Straka, Marcia Talley, Kathy Hogan Trocheck, Daniel Shashower and Beth Wright.

All events except the luncheon are free of charge and the public is invited to attend. For more information, call the Festival of the Book at 434-924-7548.

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